Morning run not for me!

[Xmrkn20]

I usually jog late in the day, particularly when the days are warmer as I wait for the sun to start dipping. I am slow at the best of times and the heat really takes it out of me. But yesterday, having had a 2-week break for a variety of reasons, I thought I really must get back out there despite the forecast temperatures of 28 degrees. Having read many of your posts, decided to try earlier in the day.

Got up and went out at about 8am (I'm really not an early bird!) - well I don't know how you do it! My muscles were still sleepy, my lungs hadn't expanded and I felt totally sluggish. To top it off, the temperature was still 24 degrees by the time I got back, so I was a pink and "glowing" mess!!

Still, am proud I went out, however slow and horrible it was. Better than sitting at my desk I guess? I may have to join a gym if the weather stays warm, just to get me through the summer. This whole jogging thing is so difficult! 🥵

[Folkylass Graduate10]

Well I’m with you there . I love running in the morning in fact that’s the only time I will run. However in the summer I’m hopeless I used to get up sometimes 05.00 in the morning that was when I was still in my 50s! Now I’m in my 60s I’m hopeless at getting up early especially now I’ve retired from work. So for me the earliest I get out is 08.00ish if not later but no later than 0.930. At the moment it’s just too hot for me and I’m hoping to get back out there at the weekend if there’s a break in the weather😀

I much prefer cooler running weather so the autumn and winter is so much better for me.

Well done for getting out though you’ve done more than me! I haven’t ran since last Friday so I really need to get out🤣🤣.

Good luck in your future runs 👍

[Xmrkn20 Graduate10 in reply to Folkylass]

Thanks Folkylass , you too. We must be the few people who don't get all excited when the sun comes out 😂

[Folkylass Graduate10 in reply to Xmrkn20]

indeed!😂😂

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Another vote for cool-weather running!🙋‍♀️

I much prefer running in the autumn and the winter. I also run better later in the day (well, late morning or after work). However when it’s hot I do try and run early and I think it gets easier the more you do it! Have run before breakfast twice this week to beat the heat but can’t wait to get back to my later runs!!🥱🤣🏃‍♀️

[Xmrkn20 Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Oh well done you! I'm hoping it may be a bit cooler tomorrow so I can do my usual evening jog. Not up for another morning one just yet!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Another definite non-lark here, but I've got into the habit of morning running and can't contemplate running later. I have a coffee beforehand to wake me up plus lots of water and maybe some beetroot juice (according to the late and much missed Dr Michael Mosley it's very good for runners).

My efforts to get up earlier have come to very little. I wake at 6 or 6.30 and go back to sleep. I've managed to move my run time a little earlier, so around 8-8.30 rather than 9-9.30 but I find it difficult.

I really don't like hot weather running, I'd rather run in -5C than +25C

[Xmrkn20 Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Interesting that you have a coffee / water before you go early. I think that was one of my mistakes the other day, I got up and went so probably wasn't nearly hydrated enough for that heat. But I figured I would get a stitch if I drank and went straight away - take it you don't suffer?

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Xmrkn20]

I've not had a stitch in years. When I was in my 20s an aerobics teacher pointed out that we get stitches when a muscle isn't getting enough oxygen. If you're working too hard the muscle uses anaerobic (IE without oxygen) respiration and this produces lactic acid as an end product, rather than the co2 produced with normal aerobic respiration. The acid in the muscle is what causes cramps.To clear/prevent cramps the secret is deep breathing. This allows the muscle to respire as it should and once the cramping muscle gets enough oxygen the acid is processed and carried away as co2.

I limit the coffee to one cup, any more and it makes me need the loo (sorry if too much information). I'll drink several glasses of water plus my beetroot juice as I do my warm ups. It all gets sweated out on the run.

[Xmrkn20 Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

That’s really interesting, I was always told I got a stitch because I’d eaten or drunk something. Great to know I can have a drink before I go, albeit not too close or it would be sloshing!!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Xmrkn20]

I don't normally eat before, digestion uses energy so I suppose it might make you more likely to have a stitch if you're prone to them.Keep breathing 😁

[tinysteps in reply to Yesletsgo]

I'm with you on the coffee, I have half a cup and half a banana if I feel hungry and that sets me up. I prefer running first thing, gets it over for the day and can walk about feeling smug😂, but I am so slow at getting ready to go in the mornings anyone watching me wouldn't believe I am capable of running at all😀

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to tinysteps]

You and me both!!!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

I’m with you-I much prefer evening runs. I’ve had a really nice one tonight because it’s cooler-thankfully! I’m hoping that as I run more in the morning I’ll get used to it. The logistics of doing long runs later on is too tricky.

You are not alone in having struggled. I ran early (for me-it was about 8.30am!) and Tuesday-both runs were horrible because it was already so hot. One of those, I met a friend for coffee an hour later after a shower and was still pink!!!

Let’s hope the cooler weather continues!!

[Xmrkn20 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I may try going later this morning, have a meeting or would have gone already. Debatable whether late morning or late afternoon is best, my head says late afternoon but by then everything has absorbed the heat! At least there's a breeze today!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Xmrkn20]

It’s definitely nicer today! Hope it’s a good run for you!

[Xmrkn20 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks MissUnderstanding , I did go late morning and it was a much better experience as, although the sun was out, the breeze was lovely and cool! Sense of achievement was fab!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Xmrkn20]

That’s a great update!

[drl212 Graduate10]

I loved my winter runs when I first started the C25K. I would much rather be cold than hot.

I am a morning runner. My internal clock is 6 AM no matter what. And of late, that's been shifting closer to 5 AM. Ugh!!

I'm glad the weather's cooled of at the end of the week.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Gosh, where are you , in the UK? .. 24 just after 8... wow!

I wake at 6 so by the time I get out, always, with the odd exception, before 8, I am bright-eyed and bushy tailed, and after my regular morning wake up routine and toothbrush squats... raring to go. Warmed up, before I even get out there to warm up!

I have only on one occasion found it too warm, although it was air quality rather than heat...and I did cut the run short.

I am not a sun worshipper, but I just love running at any time of the year, Autumn being my favourite season, but that is more about the sights sounds and sensations,

Well done you though, you got out, you did it and you will be back to your chosen running times soon, as the cooler weather continues! It is great that we are all, so wonderfully different!